The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is the largest trade association of electrical equipment manufacturers in the United States. It was founded in 1926 and maintains its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission, distribution, control, and end use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association’s Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.

In addition to lobbying activities, NEMA publishes more than 600 standards, application guides, white papers, and technical papers. Among its major standards are those for AC plugs and receptacles; the NEMA connectors are universal in North America and also used by some other countries.